Ivanka Trump Reportedly Hired a Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist

Earlier this week we learned Ivanka Trump is indeed getting her own West Wing office (despite having previously assured the nation she wouldn’t have a formal role in her father’s administration), and today it seems she's eager to dress for her new duties: According to The Hollywood Reporter, the First Daughter hired a Hollywood stylist to refine her look, a signal that Trump's role is only growing.

As for who landed the gig, that'd be New York–based Cat Williams, a former assistant to super-stylist Micaela Erlanger (whose clients include Meryl Streep and Lupita Nyong’o).

While neither Williams nor Trump have formally confirmed they're working together, Trump has tapped Erlanger in the past, most notably last year, when the stylist helped the 35-year-old choose a Met Gala look, a possible hint as to how she and Williams linked up.

What we know about Williams: She grew up in Australia, where she graduated from the University of Sydney. Prior to working with Erlanger, she held positions at the Aussie versions of both Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

Interestingly, Trump’s decision to hire a full-time stylist with a fashion and Hollywood pedigree is a break from Washington, D.C.’s status quo. For instance, Michelle Obama relied on her personal assistant, Meredith Koop, to acquire clothing for her. And while Oscar de la Renta famously consulted Hillary Clinton on her wardrobe, she largely made her own fashion choices as First Lady. Likewise, Nancy Reagan struck up relationships with designers including James Galanos and Adolfo, but was also said to have enjoyed the process of picking what to wear herself.

Still, in Trump’s defense, many First Ladies have been caught off guard by just how time-consuming dressing in the political eye can be. Laura Bush, in her memoir, said she was "amazed by the sheer number of designer clothes that I was expected to buy" as First Lady.

If Williams is planning to work with Trump, she'll likely face some unique challenges: Despite the First Daughter's fashion pedigree—she’s worked as a model and has her own affordably priced fashion line—being in the political spotlight comes with its own set of problems.

Courtesy of Twitter/@IvankaTrump

She's gotten plenty of heat for her wardrobe choices—many of which critics call tone-deaf—including wearing a Carolina Herrera silver evening gown the same day Trump announced his immigration ban, promoting a $10,000 bracelet from her fine jewelry collection when she appeared on 60 Minutes, and choosing European designers for public events when one of the President's core platforms is “Buy American, Hire American.”

Also, despite the obvious fact that Ivanka has more than enough disposable income to buy whatever label she chooses and not rely on gifts, many designers—Zac Posen and Sophie Theallet included—have spoken publicly about not wanting to dress her, further complicating what she wears.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: First lady Melania Trump (R), stands with Ivanka Trump as a parade passes the inaugural parade reviewing stand in front of the White House on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump was sworn in as the nation's 45th president today. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)Mark Wilson

And then there's the issue of Melania Trump. While Ivanka's already taken a more prominent role in the White House than her stepmother, tradition has long dictated that it's the First Lady’s fashion choices that are watched closely, not the First Daughter’s. Trump overshadowing Melania, stylewise, could potentially become an interesting and historic dynamic to watch unfold.

While it would be a surprise to see Trump break away from her signature semi-conservative look under Williams’ guidance, it will be interesting to watch this space. America certainly will be.